A message widely circulating on WhatsApp claims that new communication regulations have come into force, alleging that all phone calls, WhatsApp messages, social media activity, and personal devices are under government surveillance, and that sharing political or religious content is now a criminal offence.
Factjaja has conducted thorough verification, including consultations and tracing the claim to official government communication channels. There is NO official communication indicating that the Government of Uganda is conducting mass surveillance of citizens or that such sweeping restrictions have been introduced.
The Government of Uganda communicates official directives only through gazetted and identifiable channels, such as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Media Council, or National Television.
This false message appears to have resurfaced following the temporary shutdown of social media, which was officially announced and explained by UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo. The internet was later fully restored, and all related communications were made public and transparent.
The claim is fabricated and misleading. Members of the public are urged not to forward panic-inducing messages and to verify information using official sources.
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